Posted by: Gianna Cosimini | October 22, 2025 | Demo, Survival Horror
Yo, never played Tormented Souls before? No sweat. This sequel is basically a big ol’ love letter to the OG survival horror titles, think early Resident Evil and Silent Hill. If you missed out on the ’90s horror scene, strap in, ’cause this is a different beast entirely.
You’re back as Caroline Walker, and things are just as messed up as before. Your sister’s been snatched by some creepy cult, and you’re diving headfirst into the terrifying Villa Hess, a sinister convent, and some weird, alternate-dimension stuff they call the “Other Side.” Get ready to feel constantly uneasy.
The Real Talk: Why You Should Queue This Up
The Wins (The Good Stuff)
- Atmosphere is on Point: Seriously, the vibe check is a solid A+. This game is a masterclass in making you feel paranoid without relying on constant jump scares (though there are a few). The sound design is chef’s kiss, every floor creak and distant groan builds that intense dread. The visuals are a noticeable glow-up from the first game, too.
- Fixed Camera = Maximum Panic: The use of fixed camera angles is straight-up old-school hardcore. It means you can’t see around corners, and the camera switches perspective constantly, giving you that sweet, sweet claustrophobia. It feels awkward, sure, but that’s the point, it makes everything scarier. It’s an acquired taste, but if you want true survival horror, this is it.
- Puzzles are the Real Bosses: Forget running and gunning. This game is all about big-brain energy. The puzzles are intricate and challenging, making you scour the map for obscure items and notes. When you finally get that satisfying click of a lock opening after 20 minutes of head-scratching, it’s pure gamer gratification.
- The Darkness Mechanic is Fire: You’ll be using a lighter a lot, but here’s the kicker: you can’t use your weapon while holding the lighter. It’s a genius piece of design that makes exploring dark hallways a true risk-reward scenario. You’re constantly swapping between your little flame and your makeshift weapon, and that split-second decision will determine if you live or get ganked by a monster.
The L’s (The Honest Flaws)
- Clunky Controls are a Feature, Not a Bug: That fixed camera often pairs with less-than-smooth movement. Don’t expect the snappy controls of a modern third-person shooter. You’ll definitely fumble your inputs or struggle to aim when a monster is in your face. If you can’t tolerate the awkwardness, this might frustrate you.
- Bring Your Running Shoes (and Patience): The game is heavily focused on backtracking. You’ll be trekking back and forth across the map a lot to use a key or an item you just found. The pace is slow-burn, so if you’re looking for high-octane action, you’ll be waiting a while.
- Combat is Strictly Defensive: Your weapons feel weak and the aiming is rough. You’re meant to use your limited ammo strategically, or better yet, just nope out of the encounter. This is a game where every fight is a resource check, not a power fantasy.
Final Verdict: Cop or Drop?
If your favorite horror game has fixed camera angles, ink ribbons (or tape recorders, in this case), and puzzles that make you feel dumb, then you need to cop this immediately.
Tormented Souls 2 isn’t trying to be a buttery-smooth AAA title; it’s wearing its retro heart on its sleeve. If you can handle the clunky combat and the methodical pace, you’ll find a terrifying, rewarding experience that respects the classic horror playbook.
But what about you? Is fixed-camera survival horror a genre that gives you life, or are you strictly a first-person horror fan?
Maturity Rating
Rating: M for Mature (Likely due to Intense Violence, Gore, Blood, Disturbing Images, and Strong Language). This game is not for the faint of heart or younger players.
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